The Letter B, from The Alphabet
May one see it?
Not receiving at present
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Before printing pictures from engraved copper plates developed as a practice, goldsmiths and other metalworkers were the only craftsmen to use sharp pointed tools to incise designs in metal, decorating armor, jewelry, and liturgical objects. The first designs to be filled with ink and pressed onto paper appeared in the Rhine Valley around 1430.
Known only by the monogram that appears on some of his designs, the goldsmith Master E. S. became one of the most prolific engravers in Germany. This rare print is one of 23 letters; medieval alphabets lacked j, v, and w. Although the purpose of the series is not fully known, the letters were likely intended to be designs for manuscript illuminators.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Particulars
- Accession number
- 1936.173
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
